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iPhone 17 Series: Everything You Need to Know

Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup has officially landed, and it’s already turning heads. This year’s release brings some of the most exciting changes in recent memory, including the all-new iPhone 17 Air, Apple’s lightest, sleekest-ever phone ever! Across the board, the 17 series gets some major upgrades: blazing-fast chips, refined designs, and big improvements to camera performance.
The iPhone 17 series in Black, Mist Blue and Lavender.

Apple has also stepped-up display quality, improved battery efficiency, and introduced fresh color options across the lineup, including an eye-catching option for iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models.

In this article, we’ll break down the iPhone 17 lineup - covering design, features, specs, cameras, charging, colors, and pricing. But first, here’s a quick overview of each model and what they bring to the table.

*This comparison guide was created by T-Mobile to help you explore smartphones in our store. The opinions expressed here reflect our editorial perspective based on publicly available features, specifications, and articles.

*Product pricing and availability are subject to change. Visit our website for the latest offers on phones, devices, and accessories.

iPhone 17 series overall spec comparison

FeatureiPhone 17iPhone 17 AiriPhone 17 ProiPhone 17 Pro Max
Release DateSept 19, 2025Sept 19, 2025Sept 19, 2025Sept 19, 2025
Display6.3″ OLED, 120 Hz6.5″ OLED, 120 Hz6.3″ OLED, 120 Hz6.9″ OLED, 120 Hz
ProcessorA19A19 ProA19 ProA19 Pro
Camera SetupDual 48MP fusion + 18MP Center StageSingle 48MP fusion + 18MP Center StageTriple 48MP fusion + 18MP Center Stage, 8X zoomTriple 48MP fusion + 18MP Center Stage, 8X zoom
Battery3,692 mAh3,036 mAh3,988 mAh4,832 mAh
ChargingUSB-C, MagSafe 25W, Qi2.2USB-C, MagSafe 20W, Qi2.2USB-C, MagSafe 25W, Qi2.2USB-C, MagSafe 25W, Qi2.2
RAM8 GB8 GB12 GB12 GB
Storage Options256GB - 512GB256GB - 1TB256GB - 1TB256GB - 2TB
Software SupportiOS + 5 yearsiOS + 5 yearsiOS + 5 yearsiOS + 5 years
Ideal UserEveryday usersFans of thin, light designCreatives, gamers, AI toolsPower users, movie makers, max screen & battery
Price at Launch$799$999$1,099$1,199

Design updates

The iPhone 17 series brings some of the biggest design refinements we’ve seen in years. The standout is the all-new iPhone 17 Air, a completely fresh addition to the lineup that’s remarkably thin, measuring between 5.64 millimeters, and weighing in at just 165g. Apple uses a titanium-aluminum alloy frame on this model to maintain durability while keeping the ultra-slim profile.

For the Pro models, Apple has made the switch from titanium to brushed aluminum alloy and glass, while the base iPhone 17 model keeps an all-aluminum unibody frame. All the models get Ceramic Shield 2 on the displays but both Pro models get it across the back, too, for more protection.

Another major change to the Pro models is the new horizontal camera bar or “plateau”. It houses all three cameras and stretches across the back of the phones, giving the phones a cleaner, more streamlined look compared to the traditional stacked lens design. There are plenty of new colors to choose from:

  • iPhone 17: Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, and Black
  • iPhone 17 Air: Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, and Space Black
  • iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Silver, Deep Blue, and the eye-catching new Cosmic Orange option.

4 key takeaways for the iPhone 17 series design updates:

  1. iPhone 17 Air debuts as an all-new, ultra-thin model featuring a lightweight titanium-aluminum alloy frame.
  2. iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max transition to a new brushed aluminum unibody design for improved thermal performance and a more seamless look.
  3. Pro models also feature a redesigned horizontal camera bar (“plateau”) for a cleaner, more modern rear layout.
  4. New color options across the lineup include Cosmic Orange (Pro), Sky Blue (Air), and soft tones like Sage and Mist Blue (Base).

Performance and hardware

Under the hood, the iPhone 17 series will be powered by Apple’s A19 chip, with the Air and Pro models featuring an enhanced A19 Pro variant. Even though the Pro models pack more power, the entire iPhone 17 lineup benefits from better performance and smarter AI thanks to improved heat management. Apple’s new vapor chamber cooling system helps keep things running smoothly, even during intense tasks like gaming or AI-heavy features.

Another big upgrade across all models is the new N1 wireless chip. It brings support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, which means faster internet, more reliable device pairing, and better smart home connectivity. Everyday features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot feel snappier and more stable, as well.

Display upgrades are also a major focus this year, with all four models moving to 120Hz refresh rates and 3,000 nits of brightness. The Pro and Pro Max will also continue to support ProMotion technology and Always-On displays, creating a smoother and more premium experience. The standard iPhone 17 comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Pro and Pro Max get a bump to 12GB for improved multitasking and high-performance gaming

5 key takeaways for the iPhone 17 series performance updates:

  1. All iPhone 17 models feature 120Hz OLED displays with up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, making them the brightest iPhones yet.
  2. The A19 chip powers the standard and Air models, while the A19 Pro brings extra performance to the Pro and Pro Max.
  3. RAM sees a boost: 8GB on standard models, 12GB on the Pros, for smoother multitasking and better AI processing.
  4. Improved thermal management, thanks to Apple’s new vapor chamber, which helps maintain performance under heavy workloads.
  5. The new N1 wireless chip enhances connectivity with support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, speeding up AirDrop, Personal Hotspot, and smart home integration.

Camera enhancements

Apple delivers meaningful camera upgrades across the iPhone 17 lineup. iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max truly shine, boasting upgraded 48MP telephoto lenses across all three cameras, with the Pro and Pro Max offering up-to 8X optical zoom. The standard iPhone 17 will stick with a dual-lens setup but with enhanced low-light performance, while iPhone 17 Air takes a simpler approach with a single 48MP fusion camera.

Perhaps the coolest upgrade across all the models is the new 18MP Center Stage front-facing camera, now built around a square sensor. This change allows the camera to capture a wider, more balanced field of view, so even when you're holding the phone vertically, it can intelligently frame shots in a landscape-like format. Whether you're snapping group selfies or recording videos, the sensor adapts in real time, so everyone fits in the frame without needing to rotate the phone. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference for content creators and casual users alike.

4 key takeaways for the iPhone 17 series camera upgrades:

  1. All models now feature a redesigned 18MP Center Stage selfie camera with a square sensor, allowing for smarter framing, even in vertical orientation.
  2. iPhone 17 retains a dual-camera system, now tuned for better low-light performance.
  3. iPhone 17 Air goes minimalist with a single 48MP Fusion camera, focusing on simplicity and speed.
  4. The Pro and Pro Max models get major upgrades, including enhanced 48MP telephoto lenses across all three cameras, with both phones offering up to 8X optical zoom.

Charging and battery

All models are powered by Apple’s latest C1X modem, which helps improve both speed and energy efficiency. The Pro models, in particular, come with Apple’s largest iPhone batteries to date, delivering up to 39 hours of video playback (eSIM-only versions), up from 33 hours last year. Wireless charging speeds say status quo: iPhone 17 and Pro models support 25W MagSafe, while the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air offers 20W wireless charging.

3 key takeaways for the iPhone 17 series charging updates:

  1. Pro and Pro Max models offer Apple’s longest battery life ever, with up to 39 hours of video playback on eSIM-only versions.
  2. All iPhone 17 models feature Apple’s new C1X modem, designed to boost wireless performance and extend battery efficiency.
  3. Wireless charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W MagSafe for iPhone 17 and Pro models, and 20W for the new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.

Pricing

Apple keeps the base iPhone 17 starting price at $799, while the new iPhone 17 Air comes in slightly higher at $999. The Pro models will once again occupy the premium tier, with iPhone 17 Pro starting at $1,099 and iPhone 17 Pro Max priced at $1,199.

Key takeaways for the iPhone 17 series pricing:

  • iPhone 17: $799
  • iPhone 17 Air: $999
  • iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199

Ready to upgrade?

The iPhone 17 series is a clear reflection of Apple’s focus on both innovation and refinement. From the debut of the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, to the Pro models’ new horizontal camera bar and upgraded vapor chamber cooling, this generation feels like a true leap forward. Every model in the lineup features a sleeker design, improved battery efficiency, and updated charging technology that makes everyday use faster and more convenient.

Whether you're a casual user, a content creator, or upgrading from an older iPhone, the iPhone 17 lineup offers something for everyone – delivering on performance, design, and the premium experience Apple is known for.

The all-new iPhone 17

Looking for a phone that blends power, polish, and the signature Apple experience? The iPhone 17 delivers across the board. With a stunning OLED display, lightning-fast A19 chip, and a redesigned dual-camera system for beautiful shots day or night, this is everyday performance at its best. Add in the vibrant new colors, improved battery life, and sleek aluminum body, and the iPhone 17 isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a statement.

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Sources:
https://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/
https://www.apple.com/iphone-16-pro/specs/
https://www.apple.com/iphone-16/specs/
https://www.apple.com/iphone-17
https://www.apple.com/iphone-17-air
https://www.apple.com/iphone-17-pro
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/introducing-iphone-air-a-powerful-new-iphone-with-a-breakthrough-design/
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/apple-unveils-iphone-17-pro-and-iphone-17-pro-max/